Tag: hip hop

Playlists poppin’! One major goal I have for californyinz this year is to step up my playlist game. I definitely fell off, and I’ve realized that music is the one thing that makes me truly happy. So a message to myself – DO BETTER – in 2018. I plan to make this a weekly thing, preferably on Sundays so you can enjoy the sounds on your day off and also enjoy them throughout the week to keep you moving.

This first playlist is titled ‘strip club shawty.’ Now before you get all judgmental, chill. I went to a strip club last February for a friend’s birthday, and I couldn’t help but notice how fire the music was that the dancers were dancing to. Songs that I love, songs that I forgot about, and songs that I had never heard before. I mean Sam Hunt’s “Speakers,” which is a country song, was one of the tracks. Who would have thought: 1) at a strip club 2) that I would have liked that song. So, I decided to Shazam a majority of the songs while I was there and turn them into a playlist. Yes, I know – almost a year later. Two hours and 12 minutes (33 songs) of strip club sounds. Track listing below and the link in pink. Check it.

Wowowow. This song is giving me life. I was hooked right from the first five beats. The uptempo, high energy beat is everything, and I can guarantee it will make you move.

Just as you’re getting into the feels of N.E.R.D, Future’s voice begins to emerge at about the one minute mark. You can hear him saying “one thousand,” which is the title of the track. And this little Future intro got me too ready for the rest of the song.

And then at 1:07min, we get that *fire emoji* pumped up verse which has almost a suspending-like sound. Future ends at about 1:40min, and we are back into the high energy beats of N.E.R.D. To me, Future’s verse + the beat resemble Jim Jones and Ron Browz “Champagne” ft. Jules Santana. Can you say throwback? Compare below.

The rest of the song you’re pretty much guaranteed to live your best life, and then with only 30 seconds left, you are hit with that fire. I would love to watch some choreo (or participate in some) to this outro.

Currently listening to November 18th on repeat today. I’ve realized I posted about this song on November 18th in 2015, but this post is a bit more informative.

“Up so high even when I’m coming downnnn.”

When Drake begins the song with those first words, I die. His voice is so smooth and sultry sounding, and he’s singing to us in that deep voice… wowowowow.

And as I’m trying to catch my breath, the beat switches up at about one minute in, and I die again. The whole song is straight vibes. I can’t handle it actually. Then cut to about 1:22, and Drake is now singing. Swoon. And back to that chopped and screwed vibe at 1:45.

And I’m not one to typically listen to (and actually like) a chopped and screwed song, but this one is done in a tasteful and subtle enough way that you’re not thinking WTF is happening while listening.

As I listen to “November 18th,” it truly takes me back to 2009 when I first became a fan of Drake and when this song was initially released, as well as the project you can find it on – So Far Gone. It gives me all the feels, and I really can’t explain it.

Now Drake opens the song with a Houston (H-Town) reference and mentions the city a few other times throughout. People ask why Drake is so tied to Houston. “I thought he was from Toronto.” Well, yeah. I’m from Pittsburgh, but I feel like I’m tied to Los Angeles. Can The Boy live?

Let me educate –

Houston is where Drake flew to meet Lil Wayne for the first time after Wayne heard his music and wanted to meet him. This was before Drizzy was signed to any record label or was even really heard of in the music scene. That and Drake sold out his first show in Houston at the concert venue Warehouse Live. I meannnn. Those are pretty big tings, so I can fully understand why Drake has such appreciation for that city. He even hosts a Houston Appreciation Weekend every year. Need to attend that.

We didn’t receive just any new music today. We were blessed with new music from some legends – Eminem, Beyoncé, N.E.R.D, and André 3000. Like, come on now.

“WALK ON WATER” – EMINEM FT. BEYONCÉ

I’ve read some mixed reviews on this song. Actually, the first review I read was “this is trash.” Chill. I highly doubted a song with the rap god, Eminem, and the queen, Beyoncé, would be “trash.” And I’d bet that those who are hating on the song are all about that mumble rap life. Bye. “Walk On Water” is real and truthful. Eminem comes off as super humble to me in this as well. The combination of Eminem’s raw poetry with Beyoncé’s angelic and powerful vocals makes for a moving track. Listen below, and let me know what you think. Em’s Revival album is expected to drop on November 17.

“ROLLINEM 7’S” – N.E.R.D FT. ANDRÉ 3000

This sounds like it picked up where “Lemon” left off with that same bouncy beat, and I am here for it. The initial instrumentals make me feel like I’m at a super dope jazz club. Around 2:54, we get a switch up on the beat. Digging it. And then for the final verse, we get the legend who is André 3000 aka Three Stacks who continues to spit that fire. Listen below!

Hi, fam! It’s definitely been a minute. I admit I’ve been blowing it in regards to posting – I haven’t posted anything since mid-September. Not okay.

Anyways. Here to talk about really the only thing that’s become my life as of late – #MERCH. For those of you who don’t know – yes, some have asked me what “merch” is – merch is short for merchandise.

Merriam-Webster defines merchandise as the following –

Now that we’re all up to speed, my focus is on concert and rapper #MERCH. It truly makes up 95% of my wardrobe. What #MERCH am I wearing today? Check it below –

I copped this at Jay-Z’s opening night of his 4:44 Tour in Anaheim at the Honda Center on Friday, 10/27. And the concert was freaking amazing BTW. I bought the Paris edition because they didn’t have LA. They were selling Brooklyn and New York versions, but I thought Paris was the most unique. And it reminded me of Watch The Throne, and I miss Kanye and Jay-Z together sooooo. Yes, I think that much into my #MERCH purchases.

#MERCH RATING

Quality: AMAZING. Seriously, this is not your standard janky t-shirt that you feel is going to fall apart after one wash. Well done, Hov.

Design: Now I’m no fashion designer or stylist, but I’m giving you my opinions anyway.

Color: I definitely don’t have a piece of #MERCH in a peach or tan colorway so glad to add this to my collection. Not sure it’s the best color on me as sometimes I appear to be jaundice in yellow / tan colors. IDGAF. I like it.

Front: Clean and simple.

Back: I wish I would have gotten a better look at the back of the other city’s shirts so I could compare, but I was a few beers in and don’t remember. I like it though. Black and white, newspaper vibes.

Sleeves: It may be a little much to have “4:44” on one sleeve and “Jay:Z” on another, but because the front of the shirt is so simple, I think it works.

Tag: Love, love, love a custom shirt tag. It makes the shirt that much more meaningful.

Cost: $50 – This isn’t bad for the quality. Trussssss mi. The quality is v good and well worth the price. And the concert ticket was free so all is good.

I am too happy about this collaboration. Gearing up for his next album, Gucci Mane calls on The Weeknd to join him on the Nav produced single “Curve.”

The track starts with The Weeknd and then once that initial beat hits… say less. He also has the voice of a got damn angel. Pretty sure Abel could sing about anything, and it would sound amazing. Ugh. Love him.

TBH though, “Curve” sounds like it could be a Weeknd track featuring Gucci. Either way, I really enjoy it. Listen below on YouTube or on Apple Music here.

Gucci’s album, Mr. Davis, is set to release this Friday, September 15.

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About Me

Hi, everyone! My name is Sara, but most of my friends call me Serge. Passionate of all things digital, I wanted to create an online space where I could share my California and Pittsburgh experiences and love for hip-hop music with you.

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